Described as "West Side Story with Vampires," "Blood Rock: The Musical" to Make World Debut on Sept. 20 at The Odyssey Theater in West Los Angeles

New Play by Michael Berns Tells the Story of Two Rival Vampire Gangs in Philadelphia

West Los Angeles, CA

--(SPW)--

Described as “West Side Story…With Vampires,” "Blood Rock: The Musical” will make its world debut on Thursday, September 20th at The Odyssey Theater in West Los Angeles. The new musical, which will run September 20 thru 23, and again September 27 thru 30, tells the story of two rival vampire gangs that have been living secretly in the city of Philadelphia for hundreds of years. Please see: http://bloodrockthemusical.com/

The new play features music and lyrics by Michael Berns, book by Mark Rich and Michael Berns, direction by Gary Thomas, choreography by Kyra Burns, and is being produced by Marlene Mandell. “Blood Rock: The Musical” features a cast of 17 up and coming performers, along with 28 original songs. Set in the modern day era, the show runs two hours with an intermission, and will be presented in The Odyssey’s largest theater.

Says producer Mandell, “Our new show is akin to ‘West Side Story, but with Vampires, while also paying homage to ‘Grease’ and ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show.’ This show is highly entertaining and a great deal of fun – it’s just jam packed with humor and irresistible songs. We’re confident that ‘Blood Rock’ will enthrall audiences of all ages.”

About THE STORYLINEVampire Carnoli's gang is out for blood, literally, while the Blood Rock gang--the “Blood Rockers”-- just want to live peacefully and undetected in present day Philly.

The rival vampire gangs are threatened to be exposed when a young news reporter, Carolin Mills, begins covering the mysterious death of a local archeologist who happens to be the father of an old high school crush, Paul. Her investigation rekindles a relationship with Paul, while at the same time sparks the affection of the evil Carnoli.

As Carolin searches for the truth, the two rival gangs clash in an epic battle over love and the Vampire way of life.

AMONG THE SONGS"Didn't Notice Us" (The first single released from the show's soundtrack, on iTunes.com)

About THE LEADING CAST MEMBERS“Carnoli”/”Rohan”: Michael J. Ryan, who comes all the way from a small town famous for its “Kinky Boots,” is thrilled to be making his stage debut at The Odyssey Theatre with the fantastic cast of “Blood Rock.” His previous credits include “The Sound Of Music” (Rolf), “Into The Woods” (Rapunzel’s Prince/The Wolf), and “Noises Off” (Gary/Roger).

“Carnoli”/”Mosi”: Ethan Daniel Corbett has worked in theatre and film for years. He is best known for his role as Tommy Dinato in the soap opera “Youthful Daze,” and as Nico in the film “Blood,” which premiered at HRIFF and the Cannes Film Festival. Most recently, he was seen in “The Legend of Bonny Anne” at the Zephyr Theatre, and will appear in the upcoming war film, “JUBA.” His theatre credits include roles as Danglars in “The Count of Monte Cristo” (Montalban Theatre), Riff in “West Side Story” (GCT), and Starkey in “Peter Pan” (5-Star Theatricals).

“Carolin Mills”: Arrianna Leigh is honored to be originating the role of Carolin Mills and making her Odyssey Theatre debut in “Blood Rock.” A South Bend, Indiana, native, Arrianna graduated from Millikin University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She made her Los Angeles theatre debut in 2017 as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde: The Musical” (Cupcake Studios). Her other theatre credits include: ”Into the Woods” (Cinderella), “Macbeth” (Lady Macbeth), “The Sweet Smell of Success” (Rita), “Xanadu” (Kira), “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (Millie), and “Les Miserables” (Epionne). Arrianna can next be seen on YouTube as “Molly” in the upcoming/not yet released web series “Commuting with Max and Molly” (The Wild Productions).

“Thomasina”: Ellie Wyman is greatly enjoying the opportunity to play her first vampire in “Blood Rock.” She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theater from CSU Fullerton, and currently lives in Los Angeles. Among her theater roles to date: “The Marvelous Wonderettes” (Suzy) at the Glendale Center Theatre, “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” (Pippi) at Sierra Repertory Theater, “Beehive: 30th Anniversary Tour” (Herself, Janis Joplin) with Plan B, and “American Idiot” (Heather) at La Mirada Theater.

“Paul”: Thomas Hollow is thrilled to be a part of “Blood Rock,” both as a performer and as the Assistant Music Director. He graduated from UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music in 2017. Thomas has been seen as Frederic, in “Pirates of Penzance,” as well as Bobby in Sondheim’s “Company” at Moorpark College. He was also seen in Panic Productions’ “Parade” as Officer Ivey and the Young Soldier. A classically trained Tenor, Thomas can be heard singing Opera in the Verdi Chorus of Santa Monica, Jazz as part of the duo Late to the Party, and in several additional choruses based throughout LA.

“Rohan”/”Mosi”: Bradley Cusack could not be more honored to be playing both Rohan and Mosi in the very first production of “Blood Rock.” He has spent the better part of the last five years performing with a non-profit organization - The Young Americans - all over the world. He studies voice with noted, private voice instructor David Anthony.

About THE PRODUCTION TEAMMichael Berns/Writer: With the release of the soundtrack for “Blood Rock: The Musical,” multi-instrumentalist Michael Berns has written and produced more than 100 songs for his bands and other artists. His music is currently available on iTunes and via additional online music outlets.

GARY THOMAS/DIRECTOR: Gary Thomas’s career has been a blend of being in the spotlight and then creating it for others. With a background in theatre and dance, Gary has traveled the world with Disney, Celebrity Cruise Lines & Shows in Las Vegas, Tokyo, & Shanghai. His performer credits include: “West Side Story,” “42nd St,” “Guys & Dolls,” “Oklahoma,” and “Legends in Concert.” He now produces, directs, and choreographs a wide range of theatre, industrials, club openings, product launches, and corporate events. Thomas’s production credits include: Choreographer/Music Editor for “Bite,” a Vampire Rock Show (Stratosphere, Las Vegas), and Director/Choreographer for the “Ooh La La” Burlesque Dance Show (Paris Hotel, Las Vegas). His corporate clients have included: Wahl, General Motors, Playboy, and Sprint.

Marlene Mandell/Producer: Based in Los Angeles, Marlene Mandell (Founder/Mandell Management) has been managing artists and actors for more than 20 years. Having produced numerous music videos, and the YouTube series “Finer Living,” she is very excited to be one of the guiding hands in bringing “Blood Rock: The Musical” to the stage for its world debut.

Kyra Burns/Choreographer: Kyra Burns is thrilled to be making her Los Angeles musical debut as the choreographer for “Blood Rock.” She holds a B.A. in Dance focus in choreography and a minor in film from UCLA. A resident of Los Angeles, Burns is a dance instructor and choreographer for the Brentwood Academy of Dance. She has choreographed and danced for projects for Warner Brothers, iHeart Radio, and DC Comics, as well as for various other music videos and shows across Los Angeles. In addition to her work as a choreographer and dancer, she is also an actress.

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